Saturday, May 12, 2012

What To Use As Bedding Material For Your Guinea Pigs

By Tommie Bakr


Taking care of rodents like guinea pigs involves providing them with bedding. Guinea pigs scuttle all over the place, while being alert for any presence of snakes, cats and other animals that can devour them. Guinea pigs feel safe and happy with their favorite bedding made from among the three: paper, shavings, or straw.

Shredded paper is the cheapest way to create a soft place for your guinea pigs to roll around. It's not only inexpensive but it soaks up urine fast thus keeping the cage dryer and cleaner for your pets. Take note though, don't use paper that has ink such as news paper. The ink can be poisonous and cause death to your guinea pig. Also, don't forget to change the paper regularly.

Another source of bedding is shavings from a soft type of wood. This seems to be the most popular option among guinea pig owners as they come in different forms. There are larger shavings or even pellet-sized shavings.

As we all know, shavings come from wood. Since wood carries a smell with it so does its shavings. Pine tree's shaving is an example of good smell and affordable materials. The only concern is that they can make dust.

Since the wood has odor, it would help if you let the materials dry outdoors to let the wood release its odor naturally. This is important because guinea pigs are known to have allergy from the odor of the shavings. Therefore, use shavings when you have a cage that has more air circulation, not an aquarium where most of the air is trapped.

Other pet owners also like to use straw or hay as bedding. There is an added treat for the guinea pigs as they like to eat straw.

Keep the straw dry and clear of molds. When the straw gets wet, they get easily damaged.

Avoid using sawdust as it can cause pulmonary problems with the guinea pig when they inhale the small particles of dust. Neither should you use materials that are hard because it can pierce through the eyes of the guinea pig.




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